NFL Rookie Dillon Gabriel Overshadowed by Reporter’s Funny Reaction to His Height
In an unexpected but humorous moment during a Cleveland Browns media session, a reporter unintentionally stole the spotlight — not for breaking news, but for realizing he’s taller than rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
After Saturday’s practice, third-round draft pick Gabriel addressed the press as part of his early media duties with the Browns. But it wasn’t his remarks or his on-field potential that made headlines — it was what happened after the interview that sparked a mini viral moment.
As Gabriel exited the stage, Chris Easterling, a Browns beat reporter for the Akron Beacon Journal, was caught on camera mouthing, “I’m taller than him,” not once, not twice, but three times to his fellow media members. And the internet wasted no time in reacting.
Dillon Gabriel’s Height Becomes a Talking Point
Officially listed at 5’11”, Gabriel stands an inch shorter than his college listing with the Oregon Ducks — and, apparently, just a bit below Easterling. While there’s absolutely no shame in Gabriel’s height (plenty of elite quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray have thrived at under 6 feet), the brief moment of surprise from Easterling offered a rare, unscripted moment of levity in the often scripted world of sports pressers.
Social Media Reactions: From Laughs to Light Critique
The clip, which quickly circulated on sports blogs and social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, drew mixed reactions. Some fans found Easterling’s excitement relatable and hilarious, while others thought he could’ve kept that realization to himself — or at least waited until the cameras weren’t rolling.
“Look, we all love a good height comparison, but maybe not during a press conference,” one X user joked. Others pointed out that Easterling’s surprise wasn’t meant to be disrespectful but simply a human reaction in an unexpected moment.
Why This Moment Resonates with Fans
In today’s era of polished interviews and carefully rehearsed soundbites, this candid moment stood out. It reminded fans that media personalities — much like the athletes they cover — are just people too, complete with spontaneous reactions and everyday thoughts.
More than anything, it shows how even the most seasoned reporters can get caught off-guard by the simple things — like realizing you’re taller than an NFL quarterback.
The Bigger Picture: Gabriel’s Potential, Not His Height
Despite the playful distraction, Dillon Gabriel remains one of the more intriguing rookie quarterbacks entering the 2025 NFL season. Known for his quick release and playmaking ability, the former Oklahoma and Oregon standout is expected to compete for a backup role behind the Browns’ starting QB. His height may be a talking point today, but come fall, it’ll be his performance on the field doing the real talking.
